In the Movies

From the misty peaks of the Blue Ridge to the lush, ancient forests and cascading waterfalls, it’s no secret that Western North Carolina possesses a magic all its own. This cinematic landscape hasn’t gone unnoticed by Hollywood, which has used our dramatic backdrop for decades to create some of film’s most iconic moments. Our region has stood in for everything from the Appalachian frontier to a dystopian future, earning the nickname “Hollywood of the East.”

Come explore the real-life locations behind these blockbuster films.

Step into the world of Panem right here in our backyard. Many of the most memorable scenes from the first The Hunger Games (2012) were filmed just miles from Brevard in DuPont State Recreational Forest. Walk the same paths as Katniss Everdeen, discover the serene Triple Falls, and see the stunning Bridal Veil Falls, which was featured as the pool beneath the Arena. The dense forests and rugged terrain provided the perfect, untamed setting for the 74th Hunger Games.

Head over to Lake Lure to see the iconic setting of the 1987 classic, Dirty Dancing. While the original Kellerman’s resort no longer stands, the spirit of the film is alive and well. The lake itself was the scene of Johnny and Baby’s famous “lift” practice, and the annual Dirty Dancing Festival draws fans from around the world to celebrate the beloved movie in the place where it all happened.

The sweeping, epic beauty of Michael Mann’s The Last of the Mohicans (1992) was captured against the dramatic landscape of Chimney Rock State Park. The film’s climactic chase scenes were filmed along the park’s breathtaking cliffs and wooded trails, showcasing the raw, majestic beauty of the Hickory Nut Gorge. When you hike these trails, you can almost hear the thundering score and feel the frontier adventure come to life.

• Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017): The critically acclaimed film was shot primarily in Sylva, Black Mountain, and Maggie Valley, perfectly capturing the small-town mountain atmosphere.
• Forrest Gump (1994): The famous scene where Forrest runs through the Appalachian mountains was filmed on Grandfather Mountain’s winding roads, with the iconic “Forrest Gump Curve” now a popular photo spot.
• The Fugitive (1993): The spectacular train wreck, one of the most famous action sequences in modern film, was staged and shot in Dillsboro along the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

The best way to experience North Carolina’s film history is to see it for yourself. Plan a trip to walk the trails of a dystopian arena, visit the site of a legendary summer romance, or stand atop the cliffs of the American frontier. Our mountains aren’t just a backdrop—they’re a leading character.